Shombhu always intrigued Tani. His balcony that overlooked the streets was diagonally opposite Granny’s drawing room. Every time Tani visited Granny, she would see him perambulating the narrow stretch of space gesturing animatedly and constantly talking. However, his conversations were always with someone who was only visible to him. Everyone in their neighbourhood knew him as ‘Mad Shombhu’. But Tani thought otherwise. He was a tall, fair, and handsome man of about 40-45 years of age. A thick mop of curly white hair and a salt and pepper stubble gave…
Tag: shortstory
The Dream Seller
Arshi was scared. It was a feeling new to her. Arshi Mallik, the youngest CEO, star academic, brilliant entrepreneur, did not know fear. She could not afford to. But now, for the first time in her life she was terrified of what lay ahead. Her organization that she had built with her own hands, her entire career was now at stake. BrainVita, her startup organization, nurtured talented students with additional guidance and coaching in the absence of physical classes. It was a breakthrough in academic support particularly during the pandemic.…
The Song of the Valkyries
Prologue Mala sat on the bare ground hugging her knees, waiting! There was a strange anxiety tingling in her heart. It was a mix of anticipation and hope. She raised her tired eyes to stare at the sky above in a silent fear. She half turned to look at Mangal lying prostrate next to her and shivered slightly. His arms were casually splayed across his chest; his mouth half open. His blank eyes staring back at her. Her hands trembled as Mala moved them lightly over his lids to pull…
The Sculptor
A sculptor draws inspiration from life around him. But what if Death is his only inspiration?
The Homecoming – A Requiem
Ashok peered down from his balcony into the narrow lane that lay beneath his house. It was almost 4 pm and he knew it was time for Keka’s weekly visit. It was a Saturday and Keka would be coming over to spend some time with them. Ever since his illness, Ashok would have either of his daughters spend time with them. Jui, his eldest, had just left for her evening classes having spent the day with them. Now it was Keka’s turn to spend the evening. Ashok checked his watch…
The Samaritan’s Pledge- Idris’ story
The stench of death was overpowering. Soham and Ahmed stood at a distance covering their mouths and noses. The sultry air around the mortuary reeked of it clogging their nostrils and stifling them. The cloying odour of formalin floated in the hot sticky air as a strong reminder of where they stood. The two men wrinkled their nose and looked the other way. Like always, they would wait here till Idris called for them. They watched silently as the older man walked up to the office. Age had slackened his…
Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary – Chapter 10
Two sisters. Alike in appearance but contrary in nature. Both leave home but where one of them returns the other goes missing. Binita Sen steps in to help in another bizarre search after Debts of Desire. Read Chapter 9 “Just one link in the chain. That is what I am missing” muttered Binita to herself as she gave another stir to the broth that was simmering on the range. They had returned from Mussorie two days back and had settled down to their regular routine. “What do you mean one link?…
Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary – Chapter 4
Two sisters. Alike in appearance but contrary in nature. Both leave home but where one of them returns the other goes missing. Binita Sen steps in to help in another bizarre search after Debts of Desire. Read Chapter 3 The crisp fresh mountain air hit Binita pleasantly as she strolled in the driveway waiting for the taxi that would take them to the town center. Soon Keya joined her mother. She looked smart in a navy-blue pullover and white jeans. Binita wore an offwhite kurta with a beautiful hand embroidered floral…
Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary – Chapter 3
Two sisters. Alike in appearance but contrary in nature. Both leave home but where one of them returns the other goes missing. Binita Sen steps in to help in another bizarre search after Debts of Desire. Read – Chapter 2 The Upasana Express chugged off on its way to Dehradun. Binita arranged her bags in the First-Class AC coupe for two and was settling down with a book when Keya climbed down from the upper berth and sat down beside her. “Have you thought of how you will get into General…
Tales of Hunger in the Forest of Death
This jungle, Sheeba knew, had no laws. Neither for man nor for beast. In this land of uncertainties, both are equally vulnerable. Might, is the only way you can survive these harsh terrains. Without thinking Sheeba, dived into the water and swam towards the village. The lights grew larger as she inched towards land pushing forward with more force. If she returned alive with food, her cubs would eat or else they would perish. That made her push forward harder with stronger strokes. The current was incredibly strong, but Sheeba…
